WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL COMMUNITIES IN ACTIONwestmeathsports.ie/wp-content/uploads/Cathaoir...All of these nominees for the Cathaoirleach Awards received a Certificate of Recognition

WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL COMMUNITIES IN ACTION

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Review of 2009

In 2009 Westmeath County Council held the third Cathaoirleach’s Awards. The event washugely successful with almost 300 people representing Community and Voluntary Groupsfrom all over Westmeath attending a gala event in Belvedere on 30th April 2009. Belvederewas decked out with a marquee hosting food and refreshments outside, on one of thesunnier evenings of 2009. There the local “People in the Community” received theWestmeath County Council Cathaoirleachs Awards.

The guest speaker was Mr. Colm Murray, RTE Sports Correspondent, entertained the largegathering with his witty and eloquent speech. He commended that the contribution ofvolunteers and congratulated all those who gave freely of their time to help others in theircommunity.

All of these nominees for the Cathaoirleach Awards received a Certificate of Recognition fromthe Cathaoirleach for commitment and contribution to their communities and localorganisations.

The five Category Award winners were:

• Environment and Heritage – Billy Martin, Ballymore Tidy Towns Committee• Arts and Culture – James Beirmingham (RIP), Moate Branch Comhaltas Ceoiltoiri Eireann• Community Involvement – Mona Joyce, St. Kierans Community Centre• Youth & Sport Development – Bobby Begley, Mullingar Harriers Athlectic Club• Active Citizenship – Brian Nerney, Boherquill Ramblers Club

Cathaoirleach’s Award Overall Winner 2009 – Mona Joyce, for her numerous years ofinvolvement and dedication to St. Kieran’s Community Centre

The Cathaoirleach special award for 2009 – to mark the occasion of 125 years of the GAA inmemory of the late Cllr. Adrian Murray. This award went to Seamus O’Faolain in recognitionof his long commitment to the GAA in Westmeath.

The following schools received awards in The Pride of Place School Gardens competition:

• Presentation Senior School Mullingar• St. Paul’s NS Athlone• Ardnagrath N.S

Awards of recognition were received by those representing Westmeath in the Co-operationIreland Pride of Place 2009. These were: Tubberclair Village, Multyfarnham Village, KinnegadCommunity Council, Dalton Park Mullingar.

The Special Category award based on 2009 being the year of Creativity and Innovation winnerwas Tubberclair Foroige (we bring the library to you).


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Introduction

In recent years Westmeath County Council has distributed over €450,000 annually to individuals and groups by way ofannual awards and grants. We believe that in the current economic climate, more than ever, community initiatives requireour support.

The categories listed and detailed in this booklet, for which applications or nominations can be made, attempt to capturethe diverse nature of the activities undertaken at ground level in the area of community and voluntary activity inWestmeath. This activity is vital to sustaining an ethos of active citizenship in our county. The Cathaoirleach’s Awards gosome way to recognise the involvement of individuals in their communities, how they can influence others to becomeinvolved and the good they do for their communities.

We need you to participate in these schemes to ensure that appropriate recognition is given to as many individuals andgroups as possible. We look forward to meeting with you at the annual Cathaoirleach’s Awards event on the 6th May 2010in Belvedere, where we wish to place on record our sincere appreciation to everyone who gives of their time to promotethe interests of their community and their county.

Daniel McLoughlin Cllr. Fintan Cooney

Daniel McLoughlin Cllr. Fintan Cooney

County Manager Cathaoirleach

The Cathaoirleach’s Awards Scheme

The Cathaoirleach’s Award Scheme celebrates the work and successes achieved by individuals in the community.Community groups are asked to nominate those individuals whom they feel have contributed greatly to their owncommunity. One of the key findings in the Active Citizenship consultation process was the need for recognition and rewardin order to attract and retain volunteers. In 2007 Westmeath County council ran the first ever Cathaoirleachs awards andit was hugely popular with community groups throughout the county. With your help we endeavour to top that in 2010!


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2010 European Year for CombatingPoverty & Social Exclusion

Poverty is often associated with developing countries, where a lack of food and clean water can often be adaily challenge.Europe is also affected by poverty and social exclusion. It may not be as severe, but is nonetheless unacceptable. Povertyand exclusion of one individual amounts to the poverty of society as a whole. Europe can only be strong if each individual’spotential is realised.

There is no miracle solution to put an end to poverty and social exclusion. However, one thing is sure: we cannot win thefight without you. The time is ripe to renew our commitment to solidarity, social justice and greater inclusion. The time isripe for the 2010 European Year against Poverty and Social Exclusion.

Here are some of the things that we will do together:

• Encourage involvement and political commitment from each and every segment of society to participate inthe fight against poverty and social exclusion, from the European to the local level, whether public or private;

• Inspire each and every European citizen to participate in the fight against poverty and social exclusion;

• Give voice to the concerns and needs of people experiencing poverty and social exclusion;

• Engage with civil society and non-governmental organisations that fight poverty and social exclusion;

• Help deconstruct stereotypes and stigmas attached to poverty and social exclusion;

• Promote a society that sustains and develops quality of life, social well-being and equal opportunities for all;

• Boost solidarity between generations and ensure sustainable development.

A special grant is being offered for a suitable project under this category.


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WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL

List of Competitions andGrants Schemes 2010

1. PRIDE OF WESTMEATH:

(i) Pride of Place in the Community

(ii) Pride of Place for Schools – Eco Friendly Schools Compeition

2. COMMUNITY ACTION SCHEME GRANTS 2010

• 5 Categories

3. SPECIAL CATEGORY AWARD GRANT

• 2010 - European Year for Combating Poverty & Social Exclusion

4. COMMUNITY SUPPORT

(i) Tidy Towns Grants

(ii) Residents Associations Grants

(iii) Merit Awards

5. ARTS GRANTS 2010

6. CATHAOIRLEACH’S AWARDS SCHEME 2010

7. ANTI-LITTER GRANT 2010

8. LOCAL AGENDA 21 GRANTS 2010

9. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS GRANTS 2010

This booklet (with associated application forms) is available

to download from www.westmeathcoco.ie


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1. PRIDE OF WESTMEATH

“The aim of Pride of Place is to work in partnership with communities, to encourage best practice, innovation

and leadership in providing vibrant sustainable communities that improve the quality of life for all.”

Categories: (i) Pride of Place in the Community

(ii) Pride of Place for Schools

(i) Pride of Place in the Community

Interested Community Groups are invited to apply for the 2010 competition. Westmeath County Council will select nominees to

represent Westmeath. The closing date for this application is Tuesday 6th April 2010.

Full details are available on www.westmeathcoco.ie/prideofplace Those selected will receive a special county award at the

Local Awards event. Westmeath was very successful with three of our entries gaining runners up places in each of their respec-

tive categories.

(ii) Pride of Place (POP) Eco Friendly Schools Competition

The aim of the ‘Pride of Place Eco Friendly Schools Garden Competition’ is to support identify schools which participate actively

in promoting sustainable schools by consuming less energy, water and materials and produce less waste. This means they are

healthier environments in which to learn and encourage care of the school and the environment

Closing date for entries is Tuesday 6th April 2010.

Judging: Schools will be notified of the judging dates in advance.

2. COMMUNITY ACTION SCHEME GRANTS 2010

Westmeath County Council will provide a limited fund in 2010, for Community

Projects, which promote the well being of communities in County Westmeath.

A Community Involvement

Projects, which encourage local action and involvement in local decision-making.

B Social Inclusion

Projects, which take account of and provide assistance for under-represented groups.

C Promotion of Culture & Heritage

Projects, which celebrate the particular culture and heritage of a local community.

D Community Facilities/Amenities

Improvement of local amenities, which are generally open to or availed of by the community at large.

Projects in the above categories (A to D) may be considered for funding and grants up to 70% of the cost, to a

maximum grant of €4,000 may be granted. You will be required to show that you can provide 30% match funding.

E Significant Achievement Grant

This grant is to assist a community group to undertake a significant project with the assistance of Westmeath County Council.

Match funding may be available from other sources. A Maximum of two grants will be on offer up to a maximum of €10,000

each in this category.


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General Conditions

• Preference will be given to Groups affiliated to Westmeath Community & Voluntary Forum.

• Assistance will be provided on a once-off basis.

• Specific conditions may be attached to the grant award.

• Recipients may be asked for a report on completion of particular projects.

• Tax Number/Charity Number where applicable, for grants over €500.

• All funded projects/activities must be located within County Westmeath.

• Due consideration will be given to ensuring an equitable allocation of funds throughout the county.

• Salary costs will be ineligible for funding.

• All projects must display recognition of Westmeath County Council support

• Closing date for applications is Tuesday 6th April 2010.

Assessment of Applications

Applications will be assessed and recommendations will be made to Westmeath County Council for their consideration.

3. 2010 SPECIAL CATEGORY AWARD GRANT

Applications are invited for projects under this category.

A special once off grant will be awarded for the most innovative project supporting ‘European for Combating Poverty & Social

Exclusion in 2010’. This grant will be a maximum of €5000. The successful applicant must display recognition of Westmeath

County Council support for this project and submit a detailed report on the project.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 6th April 2010.

4. COMMUNITY SUPPORT GRANTS

(i) Tidy Towns Grants

In order to avail of this grant, Tidy Towns committees must enter the National Tidy Towns Competition. Proof of entry may be

requested. The Tidy Towns group must have a current bank or Credit Union account in the name of the association and must

be affiliated to the Westmeath Community and Voluntary Forum.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 6th April 2010.

(ii) Residents Associations Grants

(Combining grants through Housing and Environment Departments)

Grants will be payable to those Residents Associations, which are approved by Housing and Environment Departments. A special

grant will be payable to assist new Residents Associations formed since July 2008. All Residents Associations are now invited to

submit proposals for works they wish to undertake in 2010. A report on all works carried out should be available for inspection.

The Residents Association must have a current bank or Credit Union account in the name of the association. Any payments made

are at the discretion Westmeath County Council. All Tidy Towns groups and Residents Associations must be affiliated to the

Community and Voluntary Forum.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 6th April 2010.

(iii) Merit Awards

A special award (Merit Award) will be made to those who perform best/and or most improved in the County, based on the

National Tidy Towns Results. Those in receipt of Merit Awards for 2009 will be recognised at the 2010 Cathaoirleach’s Award

event though their winning cheque will be posted out to them in 2009. There are six categories, Overall County Winner, the four

best in each electoral area and most improved Tidy Town.


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5. ARTS GRANTSApplication for Grant-aid under Section 6 of the Arts Act 2003 for the year 2010

General Criteria

Westmeath County Council offers grant aid to groups or organisations, which in the opinion of the authority, will stimulate public

interest in the arts, promote the knowledge, appreciation and practice of the arts or assist in improving the standards of the arts.

In this Act the arts are defined as painting, sculpture, architecture, music, film, drama, dance, literature, design in industry and

the fine arts and applied arts generally. Decisions will be weighed in favour of those projects that address the objectives outlined

in the Council’s Arts Plan. As well as objectives pertaining to the furtherance of the development of artists, the arts and increasing

access and participation in the arts, applicants should outline where their projects address broader areas such as equality of

access, social inclusion, multiculturalism etc. in their structure.

Assistance will be given only in respect of specific future activities occurring in the year 2010

and not towards retrospective arts activity.

The Council reserves the right itself to promote such arts activity, as it deems appropriate.

Recipients of grant aid must acknowledge the sponsorship role of Westmeath County Council in all publicity material including

brochures, posters programmes and websites. Failure to do so may affect future funding to your organisation.

Please note that this Scheme is for individuals or organisations involved in contemporary creative activity. The scheme is

competitive and will be assessed by an independent panel. Grants will not exceed €600. For further information please contact

eh Arts Office at Westmeath County Council.

6. CATHAOIRLEACH’S AWARDS SCHEME 2009

People in the Community

The members of Westmeath County Council initiated this scheme in order to honour people in County Westmeath who have given

special service in their community. Westmeath County Council recognises the role played by many individuals and groups in

helping to create a strong and vibrant community. By participating fully in their community, these people not only help in

creating a better place but their efforts also encourage and benefit others.

The Cathaoirleach’s Awards Scheme allows Westmeath County Council to publicly and formally acknowledge people for their

contribution to society and shows them that their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Categories of Awards

Westmeath County Council invites nomination for the Cathaoirleach’s Awards Scheme 2010 in the following Award Categories: -

• COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• YOUTH AND SPORT DEVELOPMENT

• ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE

• ARTS & CULTURE

• ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP

There will be a winner selected in each of the above categories and the overall Cathaoirleach’s Awards Winner 2010 will be

selected. An Awards Ceremony will be held to honour the winners on 6th May 2010. The winner in each category will receive

a specially commissioned presentation award.


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Conditions of the Scheme

• Nomination can only be accepted following receipt of the completed Cathaoirleach’s Award Scheme Application Form.

• Completed application Forms must be received by the closing date Tuesday 6th April 2010.

• Only groups or organisations in County Westmeath are eligible to submit nominations.

• An individual cannot nominate himself or herself.

• Nomination can be accepted for individuals in more than one category.

• No member of Westmeath County Council Staff may be nominated for an award.

• Nominations received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Awards will be made in each of the categories, with an overall winner being selected as the Cathaoirleach’s Award Winner 2010.

• The decision of the Awards Committee is final.

Decisions

A committee called the Cathaoirleach’s Awards Committee will consider all nominations received and will select winners on the

basis of the information submitted on the official application form.

The Committee will consist of: -

• The Cathaoirleach of the Council

• The Cathaoirleach of the Economic & Community Development Strategic Policy Committee

• The Cathaoirleach of the Environment & Water Strategic Policy Committee

• Director of Service, Community and Enterprise, Westmeath County Council

• Awards co-ordinating officer

The decision of the Cathaoirleach’s Awards Committee is final.

7. CHRISTMAS LIGHTING GRANTS 2010

Westmeath County Council will be inviting applications from Community and Voluntary organisations/Chambers of Commerce

for grant assistance with the provision of Christmas Lighting in their town. Award of grants is dependent on funding being

allocated in the Council’s Annual Budget and of compliance with the terms of the grant. This grant will be advertised further

towards the end of 2010.

8. LOCAL AGENDA 21 GRANTS

The Local Agenda 21 Partnership Fund promotes sustainable development by assisting small scale, non-profit environmental

projects. Projects focus on environmental awareness and actions which compliment national environmental policies such as

those on Waste, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Air, Water, Sustainable Development etc. The fund is jointly financed by the

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Local Authority.

Details of this grant will issue later in the year

9. ANTI LITTER GRANTS 2010

Organisations/businesses which could contribute to litter awareness in their community may be entitled to co-funding from

the Anti-Litter Awareness Initiatives 2010, which encourages local public education and awareness initiatives against litter.

Where possible the grant aided measures will encourage a partnership approach with local community / voluntary groups and

the business and commercial sectors at local level to tackle litter, and, in particular, to encourage local business funding of anti-

litter initiatives to supplement the local authorities own operations in this area.


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1. The MAXIMUM grant allocated per project may be up to 70% of the overall costs.

The applicant must show how they intend to supply the balance of the funding.

2. Projects/activities should seek to promote greater public awareness and education in relation to litter and or graffiti.

3. Projects should be to a high standard and should aim to replicate or establish best practice in relation to litter education

and awareness measures.

4. To qualify for grant payment, projects should be substantially completed by the end of this year.

Grant aid for expenditure on large capital items will not be provided.

E.g. signage bins etc.

Grant aid is dependent on funding from the Departments Environment Fund.


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Westmeath County CouncilGrants and Competitions 2010

APPLICATION FORM

Closing date for all competitions and grants: Tuesday 6th April 2010

This page must be completed for all grants and also the appropriate section for grant

Name of Group/Organisation/School

Contact person for all correspondence

Address

Phone Mobile

Email Address

Insurance number and Insurance Company

Secretary

Chairperson

Affiliated to Community and Voluntary Forum YES q NO qTick appropriate box (If no, please request affiliation form)

District covered by activities of your organisation

Aims of your organisation

Please return completed application form to: Westmeath County Council, County Buildings, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

I/We have read and understand the terms of the relevant grants and competitions

Signed: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Please print name also: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note that it is a condition for grant-aid that Westmeath County Council is acknowledged on all your promotionalmaterial: if your organisation has previously received Westmeath County Council grant-aid we request you toenclose examples of such acknowledgement.

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SECTION 1: PRIDE OF WESTMEATHTick relevant box for which you are applying

q Community Pride of Place q Pride of Schools Gardens

If you are entering the community Pride of Place please state which category you are enteringby ticking the appropriate box here and completing the relevant questions on the form.

Category Population Please Tick Category Population Please Tick

1 0 – 200 q 4 1,000 – 2,000 q

2 200 - 500 q 5 2,000 - 5,000 q

3 500 –1,000 q 6 Over 5,000 q

7 Single Issue Project q

The Single issue catagories are: Category Population Please Tick

1 Community Response to Unemployment q

2 Community Arts Initiative q

3 Community Response to Addiction q

If entering for Pride of Place the application must be returned on or before Tuesday 6th April 2010.

SECTION 2: COMMUNITY ACTION SCHEME GRANTAND ANTI LITTER AWARENESS GRANTS

Tick relevant box under which you are applying

q Community Involvement q Social Inclusion q Promotion of Culture & Heritage

q Community Facilities/Amenities q Significant Achievement Project q Anti Litter Awareness Grant

Details of Project

Title of Project for which you are applying for funding?

Brief Description of the proposed Project (including aims & objectives and activities of the Project) Attach documentation if necessary

Project Start Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Project projected completion date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SUMMARY OF COSTS: Items Amount

Total funds sought: €

Note: Salaries and wages are not eligible for funding.



Please state the project and the local authority/agency to which other applications have been made if applicable:

Project LA or Agency Name Amount Sought

€

€

€

€

SECTION 3: SPECIAL CATEGORY AWARD GRANTPlease provide a detailed proposal for your project on “European Year for Combating Poverty & Social Exclusion2010” itemising costs and timelines. You may use the template in Section 2 above as a guide.

Please tick here and complete page with organisation details q

SECTION 4: COMMUNITY SUPPORT GRANTTick relevant box for which you are applying

Tidy Towns Grant q Residents Association Grant q

Date of application to National Tidy Towns: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Details of work proposed for 2010

Number of Houses: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Size of Green Area: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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SOURCES OF FUNDING Amount

Amount sought from this grant (max 70% of cost of project) €

Applicant Contribution €

Other Source(s) – please specify details of donors etc. €

TOTAL €

Please indicate if you have made an application for this, or another similar project, to any other local authority or state agency: YES q NO q

Have you applied for LA 21 Local Partnership Grant: YES q NO q


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Person Nominated:

PROFILE OF YOUR NOMINEE

CONTACT DETAILS OF PERSON NOMINATED

Address:

Telephone Number: Mobile No:

Category (Tick appropriate category)

Community Involvement q Arts and Culture q

Youth Development q Active Citizenship q

Environment and Heritage q

Cathaoirleach’s AwardClosing date Tuesday 6th April 2010

Nominating Group/Organisation

Outline reasons for nomination:

Nominated by (Name): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Contact Number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Signed: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Return to: Cathaoirleach’s Awards Committee, Westmeath County Council, County Buildings, Mullingar. Phone: 044 93 32230 Email: [email protected]

Temple Printing Co. Ltd., Athlone

AWARDS EVENT6TH MAY 2010

Westmeath Communities in Action

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:Mr. Daniel M. Rooney, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland

Cathaoirleach’s Awards Presentations: People in the Community

Showcase of best practice highlightingCommunity Work and Pride of Place

Other Grant Awards and Competitions

FURTHER DETAILS WILL ISSUE PRIOR TO THIS EVENT

Documents

WESTMEATH COUNTY COUNCIL COMMUNITIES IN ACTIONwestmeathsports.ie/wp-content/uploads/Cathaoir...All of these nominees for the Cathaoirleach Awards received a Certificate of Recognition